My Organ Donation Journey - Chapter 7

With only 21 days to go, I’m getting ready for surgery. I’ve arranged for help at home. I’m all set to take time off work. Mentally I am in a good place. But, what about being physically ready? What does that look like? As a surgery novice, I’m not really sure.

When all else fails, I resort to common sense.

While I was going through the evaluation process, I realized that I had gained 10 pounds over the winter. After the marathon in November, I have a tendency to hibernate for a few months—heading home from work and curling up on the sofa with hot chocolate rather than hitting the streets for a good long run.

My son and daughter-in-law both lost weight on Weight Watchers, so I decided to give it a try. Counting points was not only effective at helping me shed my winter pudge, it was also fun. Give me a game and a little competition with myself, and I am a happy girl.

Step one: lose 10 pounds. Check.

Next, it was time to get back in running shape. For 11 years, I have participated on the Sportsbacker’s marathon training team. I am absolutely crazy about our head coach, Lynn Anderson. She could inspire the most devoted couch potato to genuinely believe they have a marathon in them.

Training started June 3 with a six mile run. Check.

I have the thighs of a Green Bay Packer and the gut of a marshmallow. My good friend Geep Schurman, who is a trainer at heart, offered some advice on exercises to strengthen my core.

Crunches, planks and lunges are now part of my day. Check.

For six weeks following surgery, I won’t be able to run or lift anything heavy. The lifting I can live without, but the running will be a challenge. So I’ll walk. And walk. I’m hoping that I put the miles on my legs, I’ll be able to complete the half marathon this November. Not quite as exciting as the full, but a realistic goal to aim for.

Line up friends for long walks. Done.

Am I really ready? Heck no. Who can truly be prepared for surgery? But I’m doing everything I can to make this adventure as enjoyable as possible. So let’s hope a little prehab leads to a speedy rehab.

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